Intro to Hinduism

Unit 1 – Introduction to Hinduism

Unit 2 – Hindu Scriptures and Literature

Unit 3 – Hindu Cosmology and Philosophy

Unit 4 – Hindu Deities and Iconography

Unit 5 – Hindu Rituals and Worship

Unit 6 – Hindu Ethics and Social Structure

Unit 7 – Hindu Yoga and Meditation

Unit 8 – Hindu Philosophical Schools

Unit 9 – Bhakti Movement: Saints and Devotion

Unit 10 – Hinduism and Indian Arts

Unit 11 – Hinduism in the Modern World

Unit 12 – Hinduism and Other Religions

## What do you learn in Introduction to Hinduism

You'll explore the origins, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions. The course covers key concepts like dharma, karma, and reincarnation, as well as Hindu deities, sacred texts, and rituals. You'll also learn about the religion's historical development, philosophical schools, and its influence on Indian culture and society.

## Is Introduction to Hinduism hard?

It's not usually considered a super tough class, but it can be challenging if you're new to religious studies or South Asian cultures. There's a lot of new terminology and complex philosophical concepts to wrap your head around. But if you're interested in the subject and keep up with the readings, you should be fine. Most students find it pretty manageable.

## Tips for taking Introduction to Hinduism in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create flashcards for key terms like "Brahman," "atman," and "moksha"
3. Watch documentaries on Hindu festivals like Diwali or Holi for visual context
4. Try to attend a local Hindu temple to see rituals firsthand
5. Read the Bhagavad Gita alongside your textbook for a deeper understanding
6. Form a study group to discuss complex concepts like the Upanishads
7. Use online resources to learn about Hindu deities and their symbolism
8. Watch the movie "Water" by Deepa Mehta for a cinematic look at Hindu traditions

## Common pre-requisites for Introduction to Hinduism

1. World Religions: This course provides an overview of major global religions, giving you a foundation to compare Hinduism with other belief systems. It often covers basic religious concepts and terminology.

2. Introduction to Asian Cultures: This class explores various Asian cultures, including India. It gives you context on the social and historical background in which Hinduism developed.

## Classes similar to Introduction to Hinduism

1. Buddhism: Explores the origins, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. You'll learn about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and how Buddhism spread across Asia.

2. Indian Philosophy: Delves into various schools of Indian thought, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies. You'll study concepts like maya, atman, and the nature of reality.

3. Yoga and Meditation: Examines the history, philosophy, and practices of yoga and meditation. You'll learn about different types of yoga and their connections to Hindu spirituality.

4. Comparative Mythology: Analyzes myths from different cultures, including Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. You'll explore common themes and archetypes across world mythologies.

## Majors related to Introduction to Hinduism

1. Religious Studies: Focuses on the academic study of various religions, their histories, beliefs, and practices. Students learn to analyze religious texts, rituals, and their impact on societies.

2. Asian Studies: Explores the cultures, histories, and societies of Asian countries, including India. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of Asian languages, arts, and philosophies.

3. Anthropology: Examines human cultures and societies, including their beliefs and practices. Students study diverse cultural expressions, including religious traditions like Hinduism.

4. Philosophy: Investigates fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Students explore various philosophical traditions, including those from India and other parts of Asia.

## What can you do with a degree in Introduction to Hinduism?

1. Religious Studies Professor: Teaches courses on Hinduism and other religions at colleges or universities. Conducts research and publishes academic papers on various aspects of Hindu traditions.

2. Cultural Liaison: Works with international businesses or organizations to facilitate understanding between Western and Indian cultures. Helps bridge cultural gaps and promotes effective communication.

3. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions on Hindu art, artifacts, and cultural heritage. Researches and presents information about Hindu traditions to museum visitors.

4. Interfaith Coordinator: Facilitates dialogue and understanding between different religious communities. Organizes events and programs to promote religious tolerance and cooperation.

## Introduction to Hinduism FAQs

1. Do I need to know Sanskrit to take this course? While knowing Sanskrit can be helpful, it's not usually required. Most texts will be studied in translation.

2. Will we discuss modern Hinduism or just ancient practices? The course typically covers both historical and contemporary aspects of Hinduism, showing how the religion has evolved over time.

3. Is this course only for Hindu students? Not at all! This course is open to students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about Hinduism from an academic perspective.

Religious Studies

1.1 Definition and key characteristics of Hinduism

1.2 Historical origins and development of Hinduism

1.3 Geographical spread and demographic of Hinduism

1.4 Main branches and schools of thought within Hinduism

2.1 Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda

2.2 Upanishads and their philosophical significance

2.3 Bhagavad Gita and its teachings

2.4 Puranas, Itihasas, and other important Hindu texts

3.2 The three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas

3.1 Hindu concepts of God, Brahman, and Atman

3.3 The four purusarthas: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha

3.4 The cycle of samsara, karma, and reincarnation

4.2 Major Hindu goddesses: Shakti, Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Durga, Kali

4.1 The Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

4.3 Avatars of Vishnu: Rama, Krishna, and others

4.4 Symbolism and significance of Hindu iconography

5.2 Yajna: Fire rituals and their significance

5.3 Samskaras: Hindu rites of passage

5.4 Festivals and celebrations in Hinduism

5.1 Puja: Personal and temple worship practices

6.1 The four stages of life: ashrama system

6.2 The caste system: varna and jati

6.3 Hindu ethics and the concept of dharma

6.4 Social duties and responsibilities in Hinduism

7.1 The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

7.2 Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion

7.3 Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge

7.4 Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action

8.1 Samkhya: Dualistic philosophy

8.2 Yoga: Philosophy and practice

8.3 Nyaya: Logic and epistemology

8.4 Vaisheshika: Atomistic pluralism

8.5 Mimamsa: Vedic exegesis and ritual

8.6 Vedanta: Non-dualistic philosophy

9.1 Alvars and Nayanars of South India

9.2 Sant tradition of North India

9.3 Prominent Bhakti saints: Mirabai, Tulsidas, Surdas, and others

9.4 Influence of Bhakti movement on Hindu devotional practices

10.1 Hindu themes in Indian classical music and dance

10.4 Hinduism in Indian literature and poetry

10.2 Hindu architecture and temple design

10.3 Hindu influence on Indian painting and sculpture

11.1 Impact of colonialism and Western influence on Hinduism

11.2 Hindu reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries

11.3 Hinduism in the Indian diaspora

11.4 Contemporary issues and challenges facing Hinduism

12.1 Hinduism and Buddhism: Similarities and differences

12.2 Hinduism and Jainism: Shared history and concepts

12.3 Hinduism and Sikhism: Historical and theological connections

12.4 Hinduism and Abrahamic religions: Interactions and dialogues

Browse all Intro to Hinduism Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next